Wondering what steps you can take to make your design project socially relevant, presuming you want to use your abilities to change the world for the better? Design & Social ChangeDesign Leader Jamal Collins tells designers to ’specialize in giving back’ because big ideas that make a stand also generate discussion.

Here’s Where I Can Help.

I focus on underprivileged youth by teaching them design. I encourage designers to contribute to the process of change in society using their profession to become someone’s, Design Mentor. Based on moderation, inspiration, and engagement we can encourage young people to change and reshape their opinions and stimulate them to take action.

Youth with mentors have higher rates of graduation and are less likely to drop out of school. They have a positive self-image and are able to create big goals for themselves. Mentors help children grow and close the social and/or economic opportunity gap.

According to The National Mentoring Partnership, children at risk who had a mentor were:

55% more likely to enroll in college

90% interested in becoming a mentor themselves

130% more likely to hold leadership positions

46% less likely to use drugs

27% less likely to drink

81% more likely to participate in extracurricular activities

Being a Graphic Designer actually has an incredible role to play in creating solutions for social impact. And if you’re a graphic designer wondering what you can do to make the world a better place right now, it’s a powerful way to apply your skills.